It has been 12 years since former University of Texas quarterback James Street passed away at his home in Austin on September 30, 2013, at the age of 65.
Back then, his son, Huston Street, then a pitcher with the San Diego Padres, said, “My father left us this morning, and we’re trying to gather our thoughts. That’s all I can say at this time.”
According to media reports, Street died from a heart attack.
Though it has been over a decade since the legendary athlete left this world, he continues to live on in the memories of many of us.
James Street was born in 1948 in Longview, Texas. His parents were Helen Frederick (Eaton) and Grover Wilson Street, Sr.
His childhood was tough. At 12, his parents divorced, and his father moved to Oklahoma. James worked small jobs in junior high and high school to help support himself and his twin sister.
His brother, Sewell Street, played minor league baseball for two years with the Cardinals’ teams in Wytheville and Keokuk.
James Street Played Four Sports In High School, But Big Colleges Did Not Recruit Him
James became a star pitcher for the University of Texas baseball team. He had a 29–8 record. He even pitched a perfect game and a no-hitter. He played on three teams that went to the College World Series.
In football, he became the Longhorns’ quarterback in 1968. He replaced “Super Bill” Bradley during a game against Texas Tech.
The team was starting to use the new wishbone formation, with a fullback behind the quarterback and close to the other backs.
As he was only 5 feet 11 inches and 170 pounds, no one thought he was eligible to become such a great player.
In fact, at Longview High School, he played football, baseball, basketball, and track. But big colleges did not recruit him much. He still joined the University of Texas.
In a 2012 interview, James Street remembered his first big game. Coach Royal grabbed him and looked unsure for a moment. Then he said, “Hell, you can’t do any worse. Get in there.”
In 1969, Texas and Arkansas were both undefeated after nine games. Their game was called the biggest of the season. Some called it “The Big Shootout.”
The game had famous guests. Rev. Billy Graham gave a prayer. President Richard Nixon came by helicopter. He said the winner would be named national champion.
With 5 minutes and 51 seconds left, Arkansas was winning 14–8. Texas had the ball, but it was 4th down with 3 yards to go. Quarterback James Street was waiting for the play.
His coach, Darrell Royal, told him to throw a deep pass. Street was surprised. That play had failed before. He expected a safer run play. He even asked if the coach was sure. Royal said yes.
Street went back to the huddle. He told his teammates the play. On the field, he inspired them. He talked about pride and courage and told them to pull themselves together.
Ted Koy, a Texas running back, remembered, “OK, on two, ready break.” Street was so focused on motivating the team that he even forgot to call the play.
One teammate joked, “You can’t throw it that far.” But Street did. He threw a 44-yard pass to Randy Peschel. Two plays later, Texas scored. Texas won the game 15–14.
President Nixon called it “one of the great games of all time” and named Texas the national champion. This upset Penn State, another undefeated team.
Later, the official board of coaches agreed with Nixon. Street became a legend in Texas. He later won the 1970 Cotton Bowl.
He even shook hands with former President Lyndon B. Johnson. As a starting quarterback, his record was perfect: 20–0, including two Cotton Bowl wins.
Additional Information
- James Street never won a Heisman Trophy and was not drafted by a professional football team.
- His son, Huston Street, became the American League Rookie of the Year in 2005.
- Street later ran a successful financial planning business for people who won lawsuit settlements.
- Street’s first marriage ended in divorce, and he was survived by his wife, Janie Pedro, five sons, a twin sister, a brother, and four grandchildren.
